Lew's Custom Lite (HM85) vs ALX IKOS 2024
BigBass'n_Harrison reply :
Just simply: Which do you believe is better if you have experience?
Lot of people seem to say that the IKOS are the best rod at this price point so I'm guessing that's what the majority of the votes will be for. Some really good reviews on the Lew's Lite and they are both at the $150 ish price point.
Have a great day
-Harrison
new2BC4bass reply :
I am hoping a few come along with some personal use to share. I know pretty much nothing about Lew's rods. I did pick up a 7'6" MF Ledge/Small Crankbaits rod this winter. It is also an HM85. Have high hopes for it.
Never touched an IKOS, but have read some very good reviews. A few even like this line for jigs better than the more expensive Zolo.
Stephen B reply :
I'd personally pass on both. Are those the only rods you are considering?
new2BC4bass reply :
On 3/8/2019 at 9:17 AM, Stephen B said:I'd personally pass on both. Are those the only rods you are considering?
Can I ask why? Are you the gentleman that has posted that the ALX rods aren't very sensitive?
Stephen B reply :
On 3/8/2019 at 9:42 AM, new2BC4bass said:
Can I ask why? Are you the gentleman that has posted that the ALX rods aren't very sensitive?
I fished a couple and expressed that I wasn't overly happy with the rods I fished. Speaking to my experience with the rods I fished. Just my opinion. A few people on Bass Resource have left product reviews on multiple ALX rods with similar experiences. Not saying that someone won't like them, but I prefer other options in the same price range. What we like may be different.
There are a lot of great rods available that I would recommend. I would take a look at the Dobyns Fury or Shimano Curado rods if you want to stay around $150 or less. Both are great rods with great companies backing them. They have both have a really good range of rods with a lot of options for anglers. At a slightly higher price point with the Tatula Elite, Zodias, KLX, Levantes are also very attractive if you want to spend a little more. Let us know what you decide.
BigBass'n_Harrison reply :
On 3/8/2019 at 9:49 AM, Stephen B said:I fished a couple and expressed that I wasn't overly happy with the rods I fished. Speaking to my experience with the rods I fished. Just my opinion. A few people on Bass Resource have left product reviews on multiple ALX rods with similar experiences. Not saying that someone won't like them, but I prefer other options in the same price range. What we like may be different.
There are a lot of great rods available that I would recommend. I would take a look at the Dobyns Fury or Shimano Curado rods if you want to stay around $150 or less. Both are great rods with great companies backing them. They have both have a really good range of rods with a lot of options for anglers. At a slightly higher price point with the Tatula Elite, Zodias, KLX, Levantes are also very attractive if you want to spend a little more. Let us know what you decide.
I was considering some more expensive rods, Kistler Helium 3 for example, but I've decided I don't need to spend more than $150-$200 on a rod to get solid and sensitive one. I'm 15 and rather hard on my equipment and the cheaper I go on the rod, the more tackle I can get in general. I'm lucky enough that my dad helps me out with buying a lot of my gear, but still can't spend a ton by any means.
I was considering the Curado rods for a long time, but a lot of what I read said they were rather heavy and not the most sensitive. Somebody on I believe TT said that it felt like a baseball and he couldn't break it if he tried. Now I know this is exaggerating, but there are many reviews that say they are heavy. Do you have any personal experience with them?
Also the reason I'm considering the IKOS and not the ZOLO is because I wanted to customize it and I can customize an IKOS for less than $200 and still be getting a really solid rod.
Stephen B reply :
I really like certain rods in the Curado series like the 7'6 Heavy Fast, 7'6 Medium Moderate, etc. But yes the Curado rods are heavier than say a Shimano Zodias as well as not a sensitive as a Zodias but its also 25% more expensive. I really like a lot of there cranking rods. I was mentioning it if $150 was the top of your budget. Personally my 3 favorite rods around $200 are the Shimano Zodias, Megabass Levante, and Daiwa Tatula Elite but they may not have a rod that you find works. What do you plan on throwing/utilizing the rod for? I'm sure a few of us will chime in trying to help you find a rod you'll really like.
On 3/8/2019 at 10:17 AM, BigBass'n_Harrison said:I was considering some more expensive rods, Kistler Helium 3 for example, but I've decided I don't need to spend more than $150-$200 on a rod to get solid and sensitive one. I'm 15 and rather hard on my equipment and the cheaper I go on the rod, the more tackle I can get in general. I'm lucky enough that my dad helps me out with buying a lot of my gear, but still can't spend a ton by any means.
I was considering the Curado rods for a long time, but a lot of what I read said they were rather heavy and not the most sensitive. Somebody on I believe TT said that it felt like a baseball and he couldn't break it if he tried. Now I know this is exaggerating, but there are many reviews that say they are heavy. Do you have any personal experience with them?
Also the reason I'm considering the IKOS and not the ZOLO is because I wanted to customize it and I can customize an IKOS for less than $200 and still be getting a really solid rod.
BigBass'n_Harrison reply :
On 3/8/2019 at 10:37 AM, Stephen B said:I really like certain rods in the Curado series like the 7'6 Heavy Fast, 7'6 Medium Moderate, etc. But yes the Curado rods are heavier than say a Shimano Zodias as well as not a sensitive as a Zodias but its also 25% more expensive. I really like a lot of there cranking rods. I was mentioning it if $150 was the top of your budget. Personally my 3 favorite rods around $200 are the Shimano Zodias, Megabass Levante, and Daiwa Tatula Elite but they may not have a rod that you find works. What do you plan on throwing/utilizing the rod for? I'm sure a few of us will chime in trying to help you find a rod you'll really like.
Looking for a 6'8-7' MH/F casting rod for lighter jigs (1/4-3/8), t rigs (3/16-1/4 oz), and some spinnerbaits/chatterbaits probably too. Looking at "shorter" lengths because I want to use it as a skipping rod too, as well as use it in my kayak that I'm getting soon. Would get a Tatula Elite but they don't exactly have the right rod. Same with the Levante, the 6 power tour versatile seems like it would be too much for my intentions. Zodias was my main choice at one point, but I just couldn't bring myself to buy one. Never could pick the right model, the 6'10 MH seemed right but the lure ratings say 3/8-1 oz which seemed too heavy and the 6'10 M was rated 1/4-5/8 or something like that, but I wasn't sure it would have the backbone for pulling one out from under something after skipping.
Stephen B reply :
On 3/8/2019 at 10:52 AM, BigBass'n_Harrison said:Looking for a 6'8-7' MH/F casting rod for lighter jigs (1/4-3/8), t rigs (3/16-1/4 oz), and some spinnerbaits/chatterbaits probably too. Looking at "shorter" lengths because I want to use it as a skipping rod too, as well as use it in my kayak that I'm getting soon. Would get a Tatula Elite but they don't exactly have the right rod. Same with the Levante, the 6 power tour versatile seems like it would be too much for my intentions. Zodias was my main choice at one point, but I just couldn't bring myself to buy one. Never could pick the right model, the 6'10 MH seemed right but the lure ratings say 3/8-1 oz which seemed too heavy and the 6'10 M was rated 1/4-5/8 or something like that, but I wasn't sure it would have the backbone for pulling one out from under something after skipping.
I think you'd be happy with the Shimano Zodias 6'10 MH. I think it would be a phenomenal rod for what you intend to do with 3/8 oz jigs, texas jigs, while still being versatile enough for spinnerbaits and chatterbaits. The Tour Versatile is another great option as well. It definitely has power but as it's name suggests is a very versatile rod due to its taper. It can handle from topwater, jigs, spinnerbaits, etc.
GReb reply :
I have an Ikos Promise and use it for frogs, buzzbaits, WPs, etc. I originally had bottom contact baits in mind but didn't really feel it. It's a bit tip heavy and not as sensitive as I personally wanted. It's a solid rod though. Really nice build quality and strong backbone. It's perfect for what I use it for. Never owned a Lew's but the ones I've handled felt a bit too stiff.
I've used several different brands and settled on Kistler and Falcon for my bottom contact lures. Just personal preference
BigBass'n_Harrison reply :
On 3/8/2019 at 12:23 PM, GReb said:I have an Ikos Promise and use it for frogs, buzzbaits, WPs, etc. I originally had bottom contact baits in mind but didn't really feel it. It's a bit tip heavy and not as sensitive as I personally wanted. It's a solid rod though. Really nice build quality and strong backbone. It's perfect for what I use it for. Never owned a Lew's but the ones I've handled felt a bit too stiff.
I've used several different brands and settled on Kistler and Falcon for my bottom contact lures. Just personal preference
Love lew’s reels, just have no experience with their rods. I’m yet to try a Kistler, I plan to eventually.
Stephen B reply :
Goodluck buddy. Let us know what you decided and how you like it.
WRB reply :
Both Dobyns and ALX are family owned business. ALX makes their rods in the US, Dobyns designs his rods but they made off shore. Both companies have great customer servive, either would be better then Lews IMO as the name is only a brand made off shore with little or no customer servive to talk to.
Tom
LionHeart reply :
Gotta disagree about Lews customer service. Have called them numerous times about rods and reels. Always had a good experience
WRB reply :
On 3/9/2019 at 8:26 AM, LionHeart said:Gotta disagree about Lews customer service. Have called them numerous times about rods and reels. Always had a good experience
Did you talk to Lew Childre....Who owns Lew's these days?
Tom
NYWayfarer reply :
On 3/9/2019 at 8:26 AM, LionHeart said:Gotta disagree about Lews customer service. Have called them numerous times about rods and reels. Always had a good experience
I agree with your disagreement. I have had nothing but positive experiences with Lew’s customer service. From small things like getting a replacement badge that fell off my reel to ordering spare spools. They respond to emails in less than 24 hours.
I have talked to the USA staff on a few occasions and they are polite and helpful. What more could you want in a product or service.
On 3/9/2019 at 8:40 AM, WRB said:Did you talk to Lew Childre....Who owns Lew's these days?
Tom
Died in 1977...
Stephen B reply :
On 3/9/2019 at 10:11 AM, NYWayfarer said:I agree with your disagreement. I have had nothing but positive experiences with Lew’s customer service. From small things like getting a replacement badge that fell off my reel to ordering spare spools. They respond to emails in less than 24 hours.
I have talked to the USA staff on a few occasions and they are polite and helpful. What more could you want in a product or service.
Died in 1977...
On 3/9/2019 at 8:40 AM, WRB said:Did you talk to Lew Childre....Who owns Lew's these days?
Tom
I believe Lews is owned by a private equity group, which happens to be the same company that owns Strike King
NYWayfarer reply :
On 3/9/2019 at 10:20 AM, Stephen B said:
I believe Lews is owned by a private equity group, which happens to be the same company that owns Strike King
No worries. The point is that plenty of companies out there continue after their founder passes.
My 15 year old son would say some are being “salty” for no reason.
Perception can really hurt a company without actually experience with CS or the products. So Lew’s is owned by a private group. The history of the name means something to the group and those that work for the company. The only way to really know is through experience. I have experienced nothing but quality customer service through Lew’s. The products I have purchased have been some of the best I have used. I am over a half century old and I have use products from Daiwa, Shimano, Pflueger, Quantum, etc. you can take that for what it’s worth.
BigBass'n_Harrison reply :
On 3/9/2019 at 8:26 AM, LionHeart said:Gotta disagree about Lews customer service. Have called them numerous times about rods and reels. Always had a good experience
On 3/9/2019 at 10:11 AM, NYWayfarer said:I agree with your disagreement. I have had nothing but positive experiences with Lew’s customer service. From small things like getting a replacement badge that fell off my reel to ordering spare spools. They respond to emails in less than 24 hours.
I agree as well! Have had great customer service with Lew’s
WRB reply :
Sounds likecLew's is supporting their customers.
Tom
kschultz76 reply :
I don’t have really many rods left in the $150 price point. If I were shopping at that price point though the new Daiwa Tatula rods just released with cork handles would be high on the list. I’d also be eyeing the Ikos rods as you are. St. Croix Mojo are a good value in your price point to with solid reviews. The new Powell Endurance look nice at the price point too.
RyneB reply :
I have not fished a Lews rod, but I am one those Ikos fans. I only have a promise 7-3 and a Hammer 7-3. Both rods are very versatile. They arent as sensitive as a Zolo or a Kistler Z bone. But they do a lot of things real well. I also prefer to give my money to a business like ALX.
LionHeart reply :
On 3/9/2019 at 8:40 AM, WRB said:Did you talk to Lew Childre....Who owns Lew's these days?
Tom
Lol! I have talked with many of the guys from their pro shop, sales, and tech support but pretty sure none of them were Lew.
Every time I have called, I have received prompt, courteous and knowledgeable service. They have also sent me replacement parts for out of warranty reels free of charge. Tough to ask for more than that.
Who owns Lew's these days, I have no idea.
waymont reply :
Check out the new Daiwa Tatula bass rods. They are really nice and sensitive, and very well-balanced. They have lots of really nice actions. I have three I would recommend them for your price range. These have cork grips too.
BigBass'n_Harrison reply :
On 3/9/2019 at 1:51 PM, LionHeart said:Lol! I have talked with many of the guys from their pro shop, sales, and tech support but pretty sure none of them were Lew.
Every time I have called, I have received prompt, courteous and knowledgeable service. They have also sent me replacement parts for out of warranty reels free of charge. Tough to ask for more than that.
Who owns Lew's these days, I have no idea.
I sent in my Custom Inshore SLP in just to get in cleaned up a bit and they replaced 7, yes 7, parts free of charge. I think that’s pretty d**n good
On 3/9/2019 at 2:24 PM, waymont said:Check out the new Daiwa Tatula bass rods. They are really nice and sensitive, and very well-balanced. They have lots of really nice actions. I have three I would recommend them for your price range. These have cork grips too.
Yeah I’m just not a big fan of micro guides... if the Daiwa Kage rods had a model under 7’ that was a MH/F I would get that for sure. Really like those rods.
waymont reply :
On 3/9/2019 at 8:50 PM, BigBass'n_Harrison said:Yeah I’m just not a big fan of micro guides... if the Daiwa Kage rods had a model under 7’ that was a MH/F I would get that for sure. Really like those rods.
The Daiwa Tatula rods don't have micro guides. They have Fuji FazLite Tangle-Free K-guides.
LionHeart reply :
On 3/10/2019 at 12:29 AM, waymont said:The Daiwa Tatula rods don't have micro guides. They have Fuji FazLite Tangle-Free K-guides.
The new version certainly does. The inner ring diameter is about 3.5 millimeters. Safe to call micro at that point
waymont reply :
On 3/10/2019 at 12:52 AM, LionHeart said:The new version certainly does. The inner ring diameter is about 3.5 millimeters. Safe to call micro at that point
Those tangle free guides small sizes on my tatula start at 4.5mm ring diameter. there seem to be lots in-between size guides too, these seem to fit in that size for me. I don't know what the cut off point is for micro guide sizing but I think of micro guides as these:
LionHeart reply :
On 3/10/2019 at 1:44 AM, waymont said:Those tangle free guides small sizes on my tatula start at 4.5mm ring diameter. there seem to be lots in-between size guides too, these seem to fit in that size for me. I don't know what the cut off point is for micro guide sizing but I think of micro guides as these:
Are you measuring the inner diameter? I care not about outer duameter. Not sure if the term "micro" has an official criteria, but to me, the guide in the picture would be "nano," and the smaller guides on the new Tatula should safely be considered micro.
But what the hay, call em what you like.
waymont reply :
On 3/10/2019 at 2:09 AM, LionHeart said:Are you measuring the inner diameter? I care not about outer duameter. Not sure if the term "micro" has an official criteria, but to me, the guide in the picture would be "nano," and the smaller guides on the new Tatula should safely be considered micro.
But what the hay, call em what you like.
Yup inside diameter. Yeah the criteria for guide size terminology seem all over the place.
LionHeart reply :
On 3/10/2019 at 2:17 AM, waymont said:Yup inside diameter. Yeah the criteria for guide size terminology seem all over the place.
That is so strange because I measured the inner diameter of the guides on my 7'6" MH and they were 3.5 mm. I also compared them side by side to my ALX Zolo Dragger ( size 5 guides / inner diameter of 4.5 mm) and they are visibly smaller.
I wonder of Diawa uses different size guides on some of the Tatula models than others. This is interesting because 4.5 mm passes an FG knot no problem. What model did you use for reference?
jbrew73 reply :
Lews and Alx have some of the best customer service that I have ever experienced in any industry.
waymont reply :
On 3/10/2019 at 7:48 AM, LionHeart said:That is so strange because I measured the inner diameter of the guides on my 7'6" MH and they were 3.5 mm. I also compared them side by side to my ALX Zolo Dragger ( size 5 guides / inner diameter of 4.5 mm) and they are visibly smaller.
I wonder of Diawa uses different size guides on some of the Tatula models than others. This is interesting because 4.5 mm passes an FG knot no problem. What model did you use for reference?
I have the 6'10" MH casting. I also have a Tatula 6'6" spinning rod that has smaller guides near the tip 4mm that also pass FG knots with zero issues.
LionHeart reply :
On 3/10/2019 at 9:35 AM, waymont said:I have the 6'10" MH casting. I also have a Tatula 6'6" spinning rod that has smaller guides near the tip 4mm that also pass FG knots with zero issues.
So weird. I noticed that the 7'6" has 10 guides while the models you have use 9. Maybe due to the extra length of the 7'6" and the addition of a tenth guide, they downsized the guide size for the 7'6".
BassKicker42 reply :
On 3/8/2019 at 12:23 PM, GReb said:I have an Ikos Promise and use it for frogs, buzzbaits, WPs, etc. I originally had bottom contact baits in mind but didn't really feel it. It's a bit tip heavy and not as sensitive as I personally wanted. It's a solid rod though. Really nice build quality and strong backbone. It's perfect for what I use it for. Never owned a Lew's but the ones I've handled felt a bit too stiff.
I've used several different brands and settled on Kistler and Falcon for my bottom contact lures. Just personal preference
I’m starting to realize that my promise 73 is a little tip heavy too and not as light as my Tatula MH or my Dobyns Fury 734. Now considering using the Fury 734 as my jig rod and the promise 73 to a chatterbait, swim jig, paddle tail rod.
dodgeguy reply :
On 3/8/2019 at 10:17 AM, BigBass'n_Harrison said:I was considering some more expensive rods, Kistler Helium 3 for example, but I've decided I don't need to spend more than $150-$200 on a rod to get solid and sensitive one. I'm 15 and rather hard on my equipment and the cheaper I go on the rod, the more tackle I can get in general. I'm lucky enough that my dad helps me out with buying a lot of my gear, but still can't spend a ton by any means.
I was considering the Curado rods for a long time, but a lot of what I read said they were rather heavy and not the most sensitive. Somebody on I believe TT said that it felt like a baseball and he couldn't break it if he tried. Now I know this is exaggerating, but there are many reviews that say they are heavy. Do you have any personal experience with them?
Also the reason I'm considering the IKOS and not the ZOLO is because I wanted to customize it and I can customize an IKOS for less than $200 and still be getting a really solid rod.
If ur gonna spend $200 get a Johnny Morris Patriot rod. Can't be beat IMHO in this price point.
new2BC4bass reply :
Did you buy a new rod yet? The Villain 2.0 has been getting excellent reviews and can on occasion be found near your price. A couple on here have mentioned they feel it is the best $200 rod you can buy. TT gave the spinning model they tested an Editor's Choice Award and the baitcast model a Best Value Award.
CountryboyinDC reply :
I have almost no experience with Lews rods. I have a single panfish rod withbWalley something or another written on it that I bought when I got an unexpected opportunity to do some stream fishing. I own one Ikos, a spinning 7' ML/F that says 'Shake' on it. I use it quite a bit, but I wish I had paid the extra $55 and bought the same profile Zolo that I had tried before I bought the Ikos. The Zolo is much more sensitive, has better guides, and has a better warranty. The Zolo line has some tapers/powers that people really seem to dig, especially the frog model. I think they line has a model you'll like, and they're helpful if you call. Made in USA is important to me, so ALX has been getting some of my business lately.
5by3 reply :
I have a few ALX Zolo rods and one IKOS soul 7 spinning rod. I use the IKOS primarily for skipping weightless senkos. Rod is plenty sensitive for my needs and is comfortable to fish. No complaints. Seems like a good bang for your buck.
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